Privacy Policy

1. Introduction and Overview

Ariel Home Healthcare ("we," "our," or "us") is committed to protecting your privacy and the confidentiality of your personal and health information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website, use our services, or interact with us in any way.

This policy applies to all information collected through our website, mobile applications, telephone communications, in-person interactions, and any related services, sales, marketing, or events. By using our services or providing us with your information, you agree to the terms of this Privacy Policy.

2. Information We Collect

We collect several types of information from and about users of our services, including:

2.1 Personal Information

• Contact Information: Name, email address, phone number, mailing address
• Demographic Information: Age, gender, date of birth
• Identification Information: Social Security number, driver's license number
• Insurance Information: Insurance provider, policy numbers, coverage details

2.2 Protected Health Information (PHI)

• Medical History: Past and current medical conditions, treatments, medications
• Treatment Information: Care plans, progress notes, therapy records
• Health Insurance Information: Claims, billing information, authorizations
• Healthcare Operations: Quality assessment, staff performance, business planning

2.3 Website Usage Information

• Technical Data: IP address, browser type, operating system
• Usage Data: Pages visited, time spent, click patterns
• Cookies and Tracking: Information collected through cookies and similar technologies

3. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect for various purposes, including:

3.1 Treatment, Payment, and Healthcare Operations (TPO)

• Treatment: To provide, coordinate, or manage healthcare and related services
• Payment: To bill and collect payment for services provided
• Healthcare Operations: For quality assessment, staff training, and business management

3.2 Service Delivery and Communication

• To schedule appointments and coordinate care services
• To communicate with you about your care, appointments, and services
• To respond to your inquiries and provide customer support

3.3 Business Operations and Legal Compliance

• To comply with legal obligations and regulatory requirements
• To protect against fraudulent or illegal activities
• To maintain and improve our services and website functionality

4. Information Sharing and Disclosure

We may share your information in the following circumstances:

4.1 With Your Consent

We will share your Protected Health Information (PHI) with other individuals or organizations only with your written authorization, except as described in this policy or as required by law.

4.2 For Treatment Purposes

We may share your PHI with other healthcare providers involved in your care, such as:

• Physicians and specialists
• Hospitals and rehabilitation facilities
• Pharmacies and medical equipment suppliers
• Other home health agencies if care is transferred

4.3 For Payment Purposes

We may disclose your PHI to insurance companies, government payers, and other entities for:

• Claims processing and reimbursement
• Eligibility verification
• Coordination of benefits

4.4 For Healthcare Operations

We may use and disclose your PHI for our business operations, such as:

• Quality assessment and improvement activities
• Staff training and evaluation
• Business planning and development

4.5 Legal Requirements and Public Safety

We may disclose your information when required by law, such as:

• To comply with court orders or legal processes
• To report abuse, neglect, or domestic violence
• To prevent or control disease, injury, or disability
• For law enforcement purposes under specific circumstances

5. Your Rights and Choices

Under HIPAA and applicable privacy laws, you have certain rights regarding your personal and health information:

5.1 Right to Access

You have the right to inspect and obtain a copy of your Protected Health Information (PHI) maintained in our designated record set.

5.2 Right to Amend

You may request amendments to your PHI if you believe it is incorrect or incomplete.

5.3 Right to an Accounting of Disclosures

You have the right to receive an accounting of certain disclosures of your PHI made by us in the six years prior to your request.

5.4 Right to Request Restrictions

You may request restrictions on certain uses and disclosures of your PHI for treatment, payment, or healthcare operations.

5.5 Right to Request Confidential Communications

You may request that we communicate with you about medical matters in a certain way or at a certain location.

5.6 Right to File a Complaint

If you believe your privacy rights have been violated, you may file a complaint with us or with the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services.

6. Data Security and Protection

We implement appropriate technical and organizational security measures to protect your personal information from unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, or destruction.

6.1 Security Measures

• Physical Security: Secure facilities with controlled access
• Technical Security: Encryption, firewalls, secure servers
• Administrative Security: Policies, procedures, staff training
• Network Security: Secure data transmission protocols

6.2 Employee Training and Access Controls

All employees receive comprehensive privacy and security training. Access to PHI is restricted to authorized personnel who need it to perform their job functions.

6.3 Business Associate Agreements

We enter into written agreements with business associates who may have access to your PHI, requiring them to protect your information in accordance with HIPAA.

6.4 Incident Response

We have established procedures to respond to potential data security incidents, including breach notification processes as required by law.

7. Data Retention and Destruction

7.1 Retention Periods

We retain medical records and other Protected Health Information as required by Texas state law and federal regulations:

• Adult Medical Records: 7 years from last date of service
• Minor Medical Records: Until the patient reaches age 21, plus 7 years
• Billing Records: 7 years from date of service
• Quality Assurance Records: 10 years from date created

7.2 Secure Destruction

When information is no longer needed, we destroy it using secure methods such as shredding for paper records and secure deletion for electronic records.

8. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

Our website uses cookies and similar tracking technologies to enhance your browsing experience and analyze website traffic.

8.1 Types of Cookies We Use

• Essential Cookies: Required for website functionality
• Performance Cookies: Collect anonymous data for analytics
• Functionality Cookies: Remember your preferences
• Advertising Cookies: Deliver relevant advertisements

8.2 Your Cookie Choices

Most web browsers allow you to control cookies through their settings preferences. However, limiting cookies may affect your experience on our website.

8.3 Third-Party Analytics

We use Google Analytics to understand how visitors interact with our website. This service may collect information about your visit, but does not collect personally identifiable information.

9. Third-Party Websites and Services

Our website may contain links to third-party websites. This Privacy Policy applies only to information collected by Ariel Home Healthcare. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of other websites.

We encourage you to read the privacy policies of any third-party websites you visit, especially before providing any personal information.

10. Contact Information and Questions

11. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, technology, legal requirements, or other factors.

When we make changes, we will update the "Last Updated" date at the top of this policy. We encourage you to review this Privacy Policy periodically to stay informed about how we protect your information.

Material changes to this policy will be communicated through appropriate channels, which may include email notifications, website announcements, or other methods as required by law.

Effective Date

This Privacy Policy is effective as of January 1, 2024.

Ariel Home Healthcare reserves the right to modify this policy at any time. Your continued use of our services after any modifications indicates your acceptance of the updated policy.